Australia launches 'selfie' service to attract tourists

Tourists are required to stand on a predetermined spot and use an app to set off a distant camera.

Taking the selfie experience to another level, Australia has launched a selfie service as part of a campaign to attract tourists to the country.

To participate in "GIGA Selfie" events, tourists are required to stand on a predetermined spot and use an app to set off a distant camera.

They can then download a short video clip that starts as a close-up, but pulls away to reveal the surrounding landscape, The Age reported.

"The 'GIGA Selfie' campaign will help to raise the level of conversation about Australia as people share their incredible experiences of holidaying here with their friends and family back home," Tourism Australia managing director John O'Sullivan was quoted as saying.

The first two opportunities to take a mega selfie will be in Queensland's Gold Coast on September 5 and 6.